Team NY, led by captain Brad Richards got off to a blistering start, by scoring 4 goals on their first 7 shots against New Jersey’s Martin Brodeur and raced out to a quick 4-0 lead that they would never relinquish in a 10-6 win at Caesar’s Boardwalk Hall in Saturday night’s Operaiton Hat Trick charity game. James Neal led the way for Team NY with 4 goals alongside Brad Richards’ 3 assists along with Henrik Lundqvist’s 57 saves. Lundqvist was in mid season form making many eye-popping saves, including 23 saves in the first period alone.

Team Philly made their way back into the game early in the 2nd period by scoring 3 unanswered goals in the first 7 minutes of the 2nd period, but Team NY would re-gain their multiple goal lead halfway through the period and would never look back.

The real story of the night, was the fans. Loud from the second our hockey heroes stepped foot on the ice until they skated off into their respective dressing rooms. The building was abuzz with several chants that showed their true feelings about the lockout. They let their feelings known about the lockout by starting several “Fire Bett-man” chants as well as “We Want Hockey” that rang throughout the building all night long.

All the fans want is their sport they breathe and love, and for one night they got it. Even if the game had no merit outside of a great cause for charity, the fans got their wishes.. For that, we say Thank You Players.. Thank you Scott Hartnell and Brad Richards for getting this together and making such a memorable night. Thank you to all the players that participated in the event,